Here is today's summary of economic development news, a free service of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, representing Alabama's private sector investment in economic development. If you enjoy NewsFlash, thank an
EDPA Partner.

Five years ago, a new company emerged in Cullman with a unique technological system to power a vehicle without activating the engine.

Next month, the company - Zero RPM - will be one of three in the state to receive an Economic Development Partnership of Alabama Innovation Awards. The awards celebration will take place Aug. 23 at the Alabama Theater in Birmingham.

"That was truly a community effort, when Zero RPM needed a place to get started and was welcome at Wallace State Community College," said Dale Greer, director of the Cullman Economic Development Agency. "This a great honor recognizing the innovation and importance of the work they do. Only a few companies in the entire state are recognized."

Business Facilities magazine gives Alabama high rankings for its workforce training programs, auto manufacturing strength and overall manufacturing employment, while touting the economic growth potential of Mobile and Huntsville.

In its 13
th annual
ranking report, the economic development-focused publication singled out Huntsville as the nation's top metro area in aerospace/defense, citing its large concentration of aerospace engineers and plans by
Boeing Co. to expand its longtime presence in the north Alabama city.

Business Facilities noted that Boeing has 2,700 Alabama employees, mostly in Huntsville, where it began operating in 1962. By 2020, Boeing aims to
add 400 jobswhile increasing its investment in Alabama's "Rocket City" by another $70 million.

An industry report on the auto sector paints a promising picture of auto manufacturing in the Yellowhammer state.

The
2016 New & Expanding Industry Report shows that the year finished with a total of 68 auto projects, 3,848 jobs, and $907.1 million in new capital investment. Add the projects that have been announced this year, and the figure increases to more than $1 billion and more jobs.

The report covers new and expanding companies that make everything from auto parts to entire automobiles.

Repeatedly expressing her Tiger pride Tuesday with "War Eagle" references, Gov. Kay Ivey returned to the city of her college alma mater and spoke to Auburn teachers, business leaders and government officials during her "Listen, Learn, Help, & Lead Tour," a multi-stop initiative her administration has embraced while visiting and inquiring about the needs of Alabama communities.

Talking with the media during one of her stops at the soon-to-open Auburn High School, Ivey said the city of Auburn appears to be "thriving" and contributing to the overall well-being of the state. The governor also noted how she was impressed by various innovations in the area, which she regarded as having academic, employment and economic benefits.

Such innovations ranged from advanced manufacturing at GE Aviation and pharmacy research applications at Auburn University to the establishment of the city's newest school that will employ more than 100 faculty members and serve about 1,900 students.

Don't Miss the Chance to Celebrate Award-Winning Innovation at "imerge" on Aug. 23!

It's a great encouragement for innovators and entrepreneurs to be recognized for their work!

Join us on Aug. 23 for "imerge" at the Alabama Theatre in Birmingham to celebrate the "imerge" EDPA
2017 Innovation Award winners:

Quality Filters, Outstanding Achievement in Innovative Manufacturing (Robertsdale) in recognition for its advanced manufacturing methods and lean business processes in cutting the lead time for filter deliveries from three to four weeks to averaging five days or less.

ZeroRPM, Corporate Innovator of the Year (small company, 1-50 employees) (Cullman) in recognition for its battery-powered ZeroRPM Idle Mitigation System that allows a vehicle to idle without running the engine.

Diatherix, Corporate Innovator of the Year (large company, 50+ employees) (Huntsville) in recognition for its groundbreaking pathogen detection technology, which enables healthcare providers to more accurately determine the cause of an infection and determine multiple infection sources.